Day: November 6, 2024

Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury resort with Thai-inspired elegance, has announced an exclusive partnership with beOnd Airlines, a premium leisure airline recognized for its top-tier service and luxury offerings. This collaboration provides travelers with special benefits when booking a stay at Dusit Thani Maldives through beOnd Airlines.

Passengers flying with beOnd can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on stays at Dusit Thani Maldives between November 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Additionally, Dusit Gold members receive extra discounts and perks, enhancing the value for loyal guests.

To claim these exclusive benefits, travelers must present a valid beOnd booking reference and use the booking code FLYDTMD when reserving their stay at Dusit Thani Maldives.

This partnership further enhances the seamless travel experience that both Dusit Thani Maldives and beOnd Airlines aim to offer their distinguished guests.

“We are excited to partner with beOnd Airlines and offer their passengers the chance to experience the luxury and tranquility of Dusit Thani Maldives,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Maldives. “This collaboration enables us to create unforgettable stays for travelers seeking to explore the Maldives with the style and convenience that Dusit Thani and beOnd Airlines are known for

On Tuesday, President Mohamed Muizzu ratified amendments to several laws, resulting in higher fees for departing airport passengers, an increased Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST), and a doubled green tax.

The amendments affect the Tourism Act, the Value Added Tax Act, and the Taxes and Fees on Passengers Departing from a Maldivian Airport Act.

As per these amendments, TGST on tourism services will rise from 16% to 17%, starting in July next year.

Changes to the departure tax and airport development fee will take effect on December 1, with the following adjustments:

• For foreign economy class passengers, the airport departure fee will increase from $30 to $50.
• Business class passengers will see an increase from $60 to $120.
• First class passengers will experience a rise from $90 to $240.
• Jet passengers will face an increase from $120 to $480.

Notably, the tax for economy class passengers remains unchanged at $1 for both the departure tax and airport development fee.

In the amendments to the Tourism Act, the green tax is also set to double from January:

• Guesthouses with fewer than 50 rooms will see an increase from $3 to $6 per guest.
• Resorts, city hotels, and other accommodations with over 50 rooms will see their green tax increase from $6 to $12 per guest.

The government anticipates that these adjustments will yield an additional MVR 3 billion in revenue through the increased TGST, green tax, and departure taxes on foreign travelers departing from Maldivian airports.